Un idiot à Paris
1967 Comedy
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Credits
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Summary
Goubi, the idiot in a small rural town, has two dreams: to marry the mayor’s daughter
Berthe and to visit Paris. He may not have much chance of getting the girl he wants,
but he does get to see his favourite city. When he drinks himself unconscious, his
two friends are compelled to take him with them in their to the Halles market in Paris,
where they work selling their vegetables. Goubi slips away unnoticed and within
no time has been befriended by a tough businessman Dessertine and a kind-hearted prostitute
Madame Lafleur. The latter has become tired of her life and wants to settle down
in the countryside. Oddly, Goubi seems to be her beau ideal...
Review
This rather bloodless comedy is marred by a weak script (which has few jokes and a rather
silly storyline based around tiresome stereotypes) and one major casting error.
Jean Lefebvre is a sympathetic actor who works well in a supporting role along side “bigger”
actors – such as Louis de Funès in the
Gendarme series. Unfortunately, he
has neither the charisma nor acting talent to carry a film such as this. His portrayal
of a village idiot is not just unconvincing; it’s unpardonably two-dimensional.
His co-stars aren’t much better either, although the script is largely to blame.
Only two actors look as if they are interested in what they are doing and take the thing
seriously: Robert Dalban and Bernard Blier. It’s a pity that the film is so beautifully
shot and has a nice Jacques Brel number; it really doesn't deserve it.
© James Travers 2006 Write a review for this film... |
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